He re-emerged this morning to throw on flat ground for 30 throws, at 60-foot distance. Trainer Rick Griffin said it went well, and that he had no discomfort in his left shoulder -- an encouraging sign. But asked if there was any projection for his return. Griffin laughed and said, "We're projecting he'll play catch tomorrow."

Jim Riggleman also indicated strongly that Brandon Morrow will be transitioned to the rotation as soon as J.J. Putz shows he's ready to take overt the closer's role again. Riggleman said he thinks there's still plenty of time to make the move this season.

"You need a certain amount of time, but we're not at that point yet,'' he said. "How long did it take with Ryan Rowland-Smith down there? He's already ready. It doesn't take long. In two weeks, you can have him stretched out long enough to go five innings....We're not looking for Brandon to comeout here and go eight or nine innings.''